{"id":11041,"date":"2024-01-26T21:08:44","date_gmt":"2024-01-26T21:08:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/au\/blog\/vat-number\/"},"modified":"2025-08-07T23:39:21","modified_gmt":"2025-08-07T23:39:21","slug":"vat-number","status":"publish","type":"blog","link":"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/au\/blog\/vat-number\/","title":{"rendered":"The Ultimate Guide to VAT Numbers in the UK for Ecommerce\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-shipbob-blocks-single-toc single-toc\" data-controller=\"blog-toc-controller\" data-action=\"scroll@window-&gt;blog-toc-controller#scrollChanged:passive\" id=\"toc-component\"><div class=\"single-toc-overview\"><p>Table of Contents<\/p><div class=\"single-toc-read-time\"><p>** Minutes<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n<p><a href=\"#h-what-is-a-vat-number-nbsp\">What is a VAT number?&nbsp;<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"#h-how-to-obtain-a-vat-number-nbsp\">How to obtain a VAT number&nbsp;<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"#h-how-to-remain-vat-compliant-nbsp\">How to remain VAT compliant&nbsp;<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"#h-how-a-vat-number-affects-international-trade-nbsp\">How a VAT number affects international trade&nbsp;<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"#h-the-impact-of-brexit-on-vat-regulations-nbsp\">The impact of Brexit on VAT regulations&nbsp;<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"#h-challenges-and-common-issues-related-to-vat-numbers-nbsp\">Challenges and common issues related to VAT numbers&nbsp;<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"#h-how-to-find-a-business-s-vat-number-nbsp\">How to find a business&#8217;s VAT number&nbsp;<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"#h-connect-avask-to-shipbob-for-tailor-made-vat-compliance-solutions-nbsp\">Connect AVASK to ShipBob for tailor-made VAT compliance solutions.&nbsp;<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"#h-how-shipbob-can-help-with-international-trade-and-fulfillment-nbsp\">How ShipBob can help with international trade and fulfilment&nbsp;<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"#h-uk-vat-number-faqs-nbsp\">UK VAT number FAQs&nbsp;<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Picture this: your ecommerce brand is thriving, your products are selling quickly, and you\u2019re ready to launch your brand <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/blog\/international-ecommerce-selling\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">internationally<\/a>. This is incredibly exciting \u2013 but before you can book your first sale in a new country, it\u2019s important to lay some groundwork and stay compliant with international regulations.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the most important factors to consider is how you\u2019ll pay taxes in your new sales location. Specifically, you may need to register for a Value Added Tax number, or VAT.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this article, we\u2019ll cover what a VAT number is, how to obtain one, and how expert partners in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/ecommerce-fulfillment\/international-fulfillment\/\">international fulfilment<\/a> and tax compliance like ShipBob and AVASK can help you grow globally with ease.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-is-a-vat-number-nbsp\">What is a VAT number?&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A VAT number is a valid and unique ID number issued to sole traders or businesses. Governmental authorities use a company\u2019s VAT registration number for value-added tax purposes and to track the business transactions and activities in the country.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>VAT numbers consist of a country code prefix and numerical digits, but VAT number formats can vary from country to country. UK VAT registration numbers use the prefix \u201cGB\u201d, followed by 9 digits.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the UK, VAT numbers are processed and issued by HMRC (or HM Revenue &amp;&nbsp;Customs) which is the national authority on revenue and customs. Upon registration, businesses can start actively trading in the UK, and can begin charging VAT when selling products (if applicable).&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The UK offers 3 different VAT rates that merchants can add to products: standard rate (20%), reduced rate (5%) and zero rate (0%). VAT-registered businesses should apply the correct VAT rate depending on the product they are intending to sell.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While most products in the UK are subject to the standard VAT rate, there are some item categories that qualify for the reduced or zero rates. Some zero-rated products include:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Children\u2019s clothing&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Printed materials (such as books and newspapers)&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Charity sales or donated goods&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Food and drink&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Even if you think you know what the VAT rate for your products should be, it\u2019s important to check for exceptions and anomalies. For instance, while most products in the food and drink category are zero-rated, snacks and soft drinks require the standard VAT rate. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-to-obtain-a-vat-number-nbsp\">How to obtain a VAT number&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In order to obtain a valid VAT number and start selling in the UK, businesses must submit an individual application to HMRC, accompanied by all&nbsp;required <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/register-for-vat\/how-register-for-vat\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">documentation<\/a>. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The evidence that must be provided will depend on your company\u2019s country of incorporation. For a UK company, this includes your: &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Company registration number&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Business\u2019s bank account details&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR)&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Annual turnover details&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Self Assessment&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Corporation Tax&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pay As You Earn (PAYE)&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Brands based outside of the UK will need additional or other resources, including a proof of VAT compliance in their own country, passport copies, and proof of UK business activities. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>HMRC will then review and process the application.&nbsp;If it is successful, they will issue a VAT number. Your VAT registration certificate will be sent to you in the form of a letter through the mail.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This process can get complicated, but expert partners like AVASK can help you navigate your VAT liabilities and ensure your VAT application is successful<strong>. <\/strong>Please contact them via their <a href=\"https:\/\/www.avaskgroup.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">website<\/a> to ensure an advisor can connect with you and review your company operations further.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-to-remain-vat-compliant-nbsp\">How to remain VAT compliant&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Once the application is successful and a valid VAT number is provided, businesses must&nbsp;stay compliant with HMRC\u2019s VAT regulations as long as they are doing business in the UK.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This includes:&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Calculating and including the correct VAT rate in your products\u2019 price so this can be collected and remitted to HMRC.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Including your 9-digit number on all invoices raised.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Submitting quarterly filing returns (in accordance with the effective date of registration).&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Additional obligations will need to be met if the business is incorporated in the UK.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-a-vat-number-affects-international-trade-nbsp\">How a VAT number affects international trade&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s important that you plan your business\u2019s global expansion in advance, so that you have plenty of time&nbsp;to obtain a valid VAT number and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/blog\/eori-number\/\">EORI<\/a>&nbsp;before you import or hold stock in the UK.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The application time will vary from case to case. However, as an estimate, a VAT application generally takes about 10-12 weeks to be completed once all the evidence has been submitted. Use this timeline to arrange your production, <a href=\"http:\/\/https\/\/www.shipbob.com\/blog\/international-shipping\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">international shipping<\/a>, and customs clearance schedules accordingly. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When you actually start selling your product, remember that VAT is not the same thing as sales tax. While sales tax is charged at the point of checkout, VAT must be included in the product\u2019s price so it can then be collected and remitted to HMRC.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-impact-of-brexit-on-vat-regulations-nbsp\">The impact of Brexit on VAT regulations&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Brexit officially took place on January 31st, 2020, and the United Kingdom withdrew from the European Union. Consequently, the United Kingdom is not part of the free movement of goods that an EU country may benefit from.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sellers must therefore remain in compliance with VAT regulations when importing goods to or selling goods in the UK. The necessary steps to be followed depend on factors such as company\u2019s country of incorporation, the stock and value of the goods, and the platform used to conduct the sales. However, VAT and EORI registration are two of the specific tax requirement overseas sellers must met before looking to hold stock in the UK.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can find more information on specific compliance requirements <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/blog\/ecommerce-tax\/\">here<\/a>. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-challenges-and-common-issues-related-to-vat-numbers-nbsp\">Challenges and common issues related to VAT numbers&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Both large and small businesses may encounter several challenges when navigating VAT compliance. Here are some of the most common issues that businesses run into. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-vat-fraud-nbsp\">VAT fraud&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>VAT fraud usually involves the issuance of fake VAT invoices. However, businesses can employ strategies to protect themselves against VAT fraud, such as proactively <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/check-uk-vat-number\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">verifying VAT numbers<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/report-tax-fraud\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">reporting instances of VAT fraud<\/a> on the gov.uk website.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-audits-nbsp\">Audits &nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The purpose of a VAT audit is to ensure the accurate reporting and remittance of the correct VAT amounts in transactions. These audits serve to scrutinize&nbsp;how complete and accurate&nbsp;a business&#8217;s VAT records are, and aim to identify any discrepancies or potential non-compliance with tax laws.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-legislation-nbsp\">Legislation&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The intricate nature of VAT legislation across different countries poses a notable challenge for businesses. Staying&nbsp;up-to-date on regulatory changes and seeking professional advice&nbsp;will help your brand keep up as legislation evolves. &nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-non-compliance-nbsp\">Non-compliance&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In the event of VAT non-compliance, tax authorities may impose penalties, interest, or assessments on the business. The severity of these consequences depends on the nature and extent of the violations, so it\u2019s incredibly important to adhere to all VAT regulations.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-communication-and-documentation-nbsp\">Communication and documentation &nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Effective communication and documentation of transactions play a pivotal role in ensuring VAT compliance. Incomplete or inaccurate records can lead to complications during audits, so businesses may consider consulting with tax experts to&nbsp;help create and track VAT paperwork. &nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-to-find-a-business-s-vat-number-nbsp\">How to find a business&#8217;s VAT number&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you need to find a company\u2019s VAT number, there are a few different ways to do so. his process will depend entirely on where is the company incorporated. You can:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Look on an invoice from the company.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Search the <a href=\"https:\/\/find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Companies House register.<\/a>&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Check on the company\u2019s website.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/organisations\/hm-revenue-customs\/contact\/vat-enquiries\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">HMRC VAT helpline<\/a>. &nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Contact the company directly.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-connect-avask-to-shipbob-for-tailor-made-vat-compliance-solutions-nbsp\">Connect AVASK to ShipBob for tailor-made VAT compliance solutions.&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Growing your brand internationally is exciting, but it\u2019s easy for brands to get bogged down with cross-border complexities. Rather than struggling to figure out sticking points like VAT or international fulfilment and shipping on their own, many brands choose to partner with professionals that&nbsp;know what they\u2019re doing. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>AVASK, for instance, assists you in registering businesses for VAT, directly communicating with tax authorities, and optimising processes to ensure strict adherence to VAT regulations. Once you\u2019re all set to sell, leveraging ShipBob as your global ecommerce enablement platform makes it easier to store, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/warehouse-operations\/warehouse-order-picking\/\">pick<\/a>, pack, and ship your products <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/uk\/shipping-from-us\/to-uk\/\">to<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/uk\/shipping-from-uk\/\">from<\/a> the UK \u2013 and all over the world. \u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By pairing AVASK\u2019s expert tax services with ShipBob\u2019s comprehensive logistics solutions, you can streamline your brand\u2019s global launch, and make selling in the UK easier. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-shipbob-can-help-with-international-trade-and-fulfillment-nbsp\">How ShipBob can help with international trade and fulfilment&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Registering for a VAT number is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to selling in other countries. For your global launch to be a success, you\u2019ll need to have a rock-solid <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/blog\/international-logistics\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">international logistics<\/a> strategy in place \u2013 and ShipBob can help. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As a global fulfilment and logistics provider, ShipBob has dozens of fulfilment centres all over the world, including locations in the UK, Europe, Australia, Canada, and the United States. Ecommerce brands can leverage these warehouses to store their products within the country they wish to sell in, minimising <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/ecommerce-shipping\/reduce-shipping-costs\/\">shipping costs<\/a> and times while simplifying cross-border <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/blog\/import-duties\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">duties<\/a> and taxes. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In every ShipBob location, our teams of fulfilment experts use ShipBob\u2019s proprietary warehouse management software to power picking, packing, and shipping for you. Merchants can monitor both their inventory and fulfilment across all locations through a single dashboard, plus access top-notch data and analytics in real-time for full transparency. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"393\" width=\"700\" src=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/b9998fccb8a92e8d9cc3c8436ab100e2-1-700x393.jpg?w=1280px\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11044\" data-responsive-img srcset=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/b9998fccb8a92e8d9cc3c8436ab100e2-1-700x393.jpg?w=700px 650w, https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/b9998fccb8a92e8d9cc3c8436ab100e2-1-700x393.jpg?w=860px 768w, https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/b9998fccb8a92e8d9cc3c8436ab100e2-1-700x393.jpg?w=1180px 1080w, https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/b9998fccb8a92e8d9cc3c8436ab100e2-1-700x393.jpg?w=1400px 1280w, https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/b9998fccb8a92e8d9cc3c8436ab100e2-1-700x393.jpg?w=1600px 1440w\" fetchpriority=\"low\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>ShipBob even offers a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/blog\/ddp-shipping\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Delivery Duty Paid<\/a> (or&nbsp;DDP) solution to help brands bypass the complexities of VAT and other taxes and ship to more over 200 countries to convert more shoppers worldwide.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For more information on how ShipBob can simplify your brand\u2019s international expansion, click the button below. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-16018d1d wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/quote\/\">Request a Quote<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-uk-vat-number-faqs-nbsp\">UK VAT number FAQs&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Below are answers to common questions about VAT numbers.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-shipbob-blocks-single-faq single-faq direction-col\" data-controller=\"faq-controller\" data-faq-controller-open-value=\"true\"><div class=\"single-faq-title-contianer\"><h4 class=\"single-faq-title\">Can I claim VAT on purchases made before registering for VAT?&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/h4><div class=\"single-faq-expand\" data-faq-controller-target=\"expand\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/shipbob-2022\/resources\/svg\/plus-solid.svg\" \/><\/div><\/div><div class=\"single-faq-childs\" data-faq-controller-target=\"answer\"><div>\n<p>It\u2019s not possible to claim VAT on purchases if the business was still not registered for VAT at the time of sale. It is also not possible for overseas businesses to charge VAT on their products when they are not VAT registered.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-shipbob-blocks-single-faq single-faq direction-col\" data-controller=\"faq-controller\" data-faq-controller-open-value=\"true\"><div class=\"single-faq-title-contianer\"><h4 class=\"single-faq-title\">How do I know if my business needs to register for VAT?&nbsp;<\/h4><div class=\"single-faq-expand\" data-faq-controller-target=\"expand\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/shipbob-2022\/resources\/svg\/plus-solid.svg\" \/><\/div><\/div><div class=\"single-faq-childs\" data-faq-controller-target=\"answer\"><div>\n<p>VAT registration is not universally necessary and varies across countries, with each country enforcing specific rules. In a general sense, businesses are obliged to register for VAT when engaging in taxable sales within a country or if the company stores products within that country.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Voluntary VAT registration is an option that businesses can consider, especially if they wish to reclaim VAT on their business expenses. This strategic decision can have financial benefits for the business.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To navigate the intricate landscape of VAT registration, understanding the specific rules in each country is crucial. Given the complexity of tax laws, seeking advice from a tax professional or accountant familiar with the regulations in the jurisdiction is advisable. These experts can provide tailored guidance based on the unique activities of your business, ensuring compliance.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-shipbob-blocks-single-faq single-faq direction-col\" data-controller=\"faq-controller\" data-faq-controller-open-value=\"true\"><div class=\"single-faq-title-contianer\"><h4 class=\"single-faq-title\">Can I change my VAT number if I need to?&nbsp;<\/h4><div class=\"single-faq-expand\" data-faq-controller-target=\"expand\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/shipbob-2022\/resources\/svg\/plus-solid.svg\" \/><\/div><\/div><div class=\"single-faq-childs\" data-faq-controller-target=\"answer\"><div>\n<p>The VAT number, assigned by the tax authority and unique to your business, is generally not subject to change. However, certain situations may necessitate a change in the VAT number.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One such circumstance involves a change in the ownership of the business. If the original company is no longer operational due to a change in ownership, a new VAT number must be issued. Significant changes, such as reorganization or restructuring (e.g., mergers, acquisitions, or alterations in legal structure), can also lead to the issuance of a new VAT number.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Errors or issues with the existing VAT number represent another scenario prompting a change. Administrative errors or problems associated with the current VAT number might result in the tax authorities reissuing a new VAT number to the business.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It&#8217;s crucial to recognise that altering your VAT number can have implications for your business. Therefore, it is essential to adhere to the proper processes. Seeking guidance from a tax professional or accountant is strongly recommended to ensure compliance with the relevant jurisdictions and mitigate potential challenges associated with the change.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-shipbob-blocks-single-faq single-faq direction-col\" data-controller=\"faq-controller\" data-faq-controller-open-value=\"true\"><div class=\"single-faq-title-contianer\"><h4 class=\"single-faq-title\">How can ShipBob help with international shipping?&nbsp;<\/h4><div class=\"single-faq-expand\" data-faq-controller-target=\"expand\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/shipbob-2022\/resources\/svg\/plus-solid.svg\" \/><\/div><\/div><div class=\"single-faq-childs\" data-faq-controller-target=\"answer\"><div>\n<p>Ecommerce brands can take advantage of ShipBob\u2019s dozens of fulfilment centres in the UK, Europe, Australia, Canada, and United States and store their products within the country they plan to sell in, which reduces shipping costs and times for customers in that country. Brands can also leverage ShipBob DDP to&nbsp;attract and convert global customers. &nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If you want to sell goods in the UK, you&#8217;ll need a Value-Added Tax number. Here&#8217;s how to register for one, and how to stay VAT compliant.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":260,"featured_media":11043,"parent":0,"template":"","meta":{"content-type":"","inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"blogcategories":[6,7,8,9,11,13],"class_list":["post-11041","blog","type-blog","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","blogcategories-ecommerce-tips","blogcategories-fulfillment","blogcategories-inventory","blogcategories-logistics","blogcategories-order-management","blogcategories-shipping"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.5 (Yoast SEO v27.5) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>What is a VAT Number? How to Use Them in the UK<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"If you want to sell goods in the UK, you&#039;ll need a Value-Added Tax number. Here&#039;s how to register for one, and how to stay VAT compliant.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/au\/blog\/vat-number\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"The Ultimate Guide to VAT Numbers in the UK for Ecommerce\u00a0\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"If you want to sell goods in the UK, you&#039;ll need a Value-Added Tax number. 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